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When I re-entered the workforce after thirteen years as a stay-at-home mom, I struggled to disconnect from work. I thought it was acceptable to respond to emails during family dinners or send pitches while shopping in the grocery aisle. Instead of designating specific work hours, I remained perpetually available. For three years, I didn’t take a vacation, and my work-life boundaries blurred into an endless stream of tasks.
Initially, I convinced myself that demonstrating my dedication meant always being on call. I believed that answering a quick email or taking a phone call was harmless. However, it quickly became evident that this mindset was flawed. One distraction led to another, and before I knew it, I had spent half an hour on my phone, missing out on precious family time.
It took me a while to understand that just because I could work on a Saturday afternoon didn’t mean I had to. Receiving an email at midnight didn’t necessitate an immediate response before I even got out of bed in the morning. My constant availability led to irritability, disorganization, and careless mistakes at work. I was neglecting my relationships, too. I often told friends I needed to send an email before I could fully engage with them, and I would arrive at my partner’s home, glued to my phone instead of cherishing our time together.
A few years back, I began cancelling lunch dates with friends to catch up on work. One friend, a labor and delivery nurse, pointed out that they had nearly lost a patient the previous day. She said, “You need to step away from work to perform better at your job.” Her words struck home.
Being constantly available for work is mentally draining. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. For those of us who find it difficult to set boundaries, The Muse offers a helpful tip: take a moment to assess each demand’s impact on your well-being and goals. This can be particularly challenging for those who are naturally inclined to please others, but it ultimately helps us prioritize what matters.
Instead of agreeing to every request at work, consider telling colleagues you’ll get back to them. This tactic allows you to evaluate your schedule and sets up the expectation that you won’t immediately respond to every request. Just like in personal relationships, we teach others how to treat us. While it’s important to work hard, it doesn’t mean we need to be available around the clock.
Is it truly necessary to respond to that email at 10:00 PM when you’re winding down? Do you really want to take on that extra project if it means sacrificing family time? If we don’t occasionally say no or take a break, no one benefits—including ourselves. Once I established clear blocks of time for work, family, and self-care, I realized it was okay to let things wait. I didn’t lose my career momentum; instead, my family was happier, and I became more effective without feeling overwhelmed.
Now, reflect on your own situation. Are you delegating enough? Have you spoken to your boss and colleagues about how you’re feeling? Have you assessed how you allocate your time? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Valuing your career doesn’t mean saying yes to everything, and being constantly available can hinder your progress.
For more insights on navigating this journey, check out this article or visit Make a Mom, a trusted source for fertility resources. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This article discusses the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life to maintain mental health and productivity. The author shares personal experiences and offers practical advice on how to prioritize commitments and avoid the pitfalls of constant availability.
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Keyphrase: Setting Boundaries in Work-Life Balance
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